Gratitude

I feel like such a tool saying this, but I must: I have a tremendous sense of gratitude tonight. I don't always feel this way, as I'm not always living in the present (it's getting better, though), but tonight, I experienced such a treat. My friends, Christopher and Brad, had told me that they wanted to take me out to dinner, just the two of them, for my birthday (which was yesterday, but we had our AA meeting and then fellowship last night, so tonight made more sense for something like a birthday celebration). At first, I thought it was kind of odd- their request, that is- because we never do things with just 2-3 people here- it's always at least 5-7. But, I didn't think much of it. And then, when I asked where we were going, Christopher said, "well, I was kind of thinking Pizza Luce.. if that sounds good to you.." and I said, sure, why not, because I like pizza (and, by the way, this is where we had my going away dinner, too). Brad had asked to pick him up at 6 initially, then he called at 6 and asked for 7, and I asked him if I should call Christopher and whether he would also need a ride- he said he didn't know, and that Christopher hadn't returned his call earlier in the day. So at this point, if there was any inkling or suspicion that something might be going on (like a surprise party- which I had been hoping for, shamelessly), I had pretty much realized that nothing fishy was going on and that they were just being their ordinary selves. And, I have to admit, I was feeling a little disappointed after realizing this, as I had been, like I said, SHAMELESSLY hoping for some kind of welcome home surprise party (What? I've never had one before!).  

By the time we arrived at Pizza Luce, I had surrendered my hopes, and was totally content with a low-key evening. But then, of course, as soon as we entered the restaurant, I saw everyone sitting there waiting for us! It was so wonderful- really, it was. I wish I could have shown a bit more excitement, but I was fatigued (jet-lag?) and hungry, so I tried my best. In spite of this, I was truly touched. 

After dinner we went dancing, and boy, was it fun! I haven't had that much fun at the bar in a long time. Now it's almost 4am, I'm not really tired, and I'm getting a bit hungry. haha.. but, it's all good. I have work to do tomorrow before 4pm, so as long as I can put in a few hours, I should be ok. I have a stupid deadline on Monday night that I have to work towards, but I think I should have enough time to skid by. Anyway, I'm gonna get something to snack on now. But, tomorrow, or in the next few days, I will upload more photos of Senegal and my return, and I will continue to blog. In fact, I will continue blogging- indefinitely- as this has been a wonderful way for me to connect with so many people that I don't get to see on a regular basis. So, in other words, continue to stop by and read what's going on in my life, especially as I begin to process what Africa has meant to me, and as I begin to process and write my paper. 

loves,

Ryan